Douglas BOC Proclaims 'Master Gardeners Day'

Submitted by Douglas County Dept. of Communications

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners recognized the organization and work of the Douglas County Master Gardeners during its March 4th, meeting in Citizen’s Hall of the Douglas County Courthouse.

“Master Gardeners Day” was proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners.

The Douglas County Master Gardeners Volunteer Program is an educational and service organization offered through the Douglas County offices of the Georgia Cooperative Extension Service/University of Georgia.  Through this Program, residents are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas.

The Master Gardener Program is designed to develop highly-skilled volunteers who will commit to a minimum of 50 hours of service each year in addition to 40 hours of horticultural training.  In 2013, the Douglas County Master Gardeners volunteered 6,173.9 hours; drove 29,380 miles for service projects; and made 16,431 personal and 93,811 phone contacts about the Program.

The Master Gardeners “Plant a Row for Hunger Vegetable Garden” donated more than 4,400 pounds of vegetables to local charities.  The Vegetable Garden is planted and maintained by the Master Gardeners adjacent to the Douglas County Health Department on Selman Drive.  It will be featured as part of the 7th annual Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival June 7th - 8th.  The Master Gardeners are one of the co-sponsors of the Standard Flower Show of the Hydrangea Festival and donate numerous hours to its success.

The Master Gardeners also host an annual plant sale at their greenhouse located adjacent to the Woodie Fite Senior Center on Saturday, May 3rd; the plant sale has free admission and is open to the Public.  All proceeds assist with programs of the Master Gardeners. Membership in the organization is open to anyone interested in the field.

For more information, contact Marjorie Stansel at 4615@bellsouth.net.